Accession Number1965/1.156
TitleRooster on a Branch
Artist(s)Itō JakuchūObject Creation Date18th centuryMedium & Supporthanging scroll, ink on paperDimensions 72 1/2 in x 24 3/4 in (184.15 cm x 62.87 cm)
Credit LineMuseum purchase made possible by the Margaret Watson Parker Art Collection FundSubject matterItō Jakuchū is widely known for his depictions of plants and animals in association with Zen Buddhism. The son of a successful merchant family who sold groceries, Jakuchū left the family business to study Zen Buddhism. His numerous depictions of plants and animals are believed to represent the inherent Buddha nature of all living things. The rooster was specifically linked to Zen thought, as the sharp cry of the rooster was likened to the moment of enlightenment.
Physical DescriptionThis hanging scroll depicts a chicken executed in rapid brushstrokes, using various shades of black ink. The face of the bird is naturalistically depicted, while its tail feathers are somewhat abstracted.
Primary Object Classification Painting Primary Object Typehanging scrollCollection AreaAsianRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.
Keywords
Birds
Japan
Zen (Japanese Buddhism)
branches
branches (plant components)
hanging scroll
hanging scrolls
ink
roosters
roosters (birds)
trees